US Commission on Weak States and National Security

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, focused fresh attention on security threats emanating from chronically underdeveloped regions. In response, the Center's Commission on Weak States and US National Security convened congressional actors, academics, and NGO leaders to craft a coherent strategy toward weak states. Their conclusions spurred policymakers to take action, and their recommendations served as an impetus for a Presidential Directive that established a Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization under the Secretary of State. Carlos Pascual, the first coordinator, recognized the role of the commission's work.